With Ink Barely Dry on Receiver Deal, Vikings Fire Up a Contract to Add a 6’6″ D-Lineman
Lately, there has been a lot of attention on the decision to bring in WR Jauan Jennings. Doing so gives the Vikings a scary three-headed monster out wide for whoever is passing the pigskin.
Next up for deals was the decision to toss another young d-lineman into the mix. Check out the update from agent Brett Tessler: “The Minnesota Vikings just signed my client Smith Vilbert (DL, UNC / Penn State) to a 3-year deal after he attended their rookie minicamp this weekend.” The length, three years, is the standard for undrafted talent. Playing through the entire contract would mean being a Vikings RFA afterwards.
Vikings Fire Up Next Contract, Sign Young D-Lineman
Lately, there has been a ton of attention on Minnesota’s defensive line.
Most notable, of course, was the surprising decision to opt for the hulking Caleb Banks. The massive defensive tackle coming out Florida doesn’t lack for talent. What could be an issue, though, is his health and technique. Both earned concern moving into the 2026 NFL Draft, which is to say nothing of the firestorm of criticism after using No. 18 to snag him.
Next up was the move for Domonique Orange, a nose tackle who is reasonably referred to as “Big Citrus” due to his size and last name. Expect Mr. Orange to earn snaps early in his career to clog running lanes. He got chosen in the 3rd.
But then there has been a broader effort to insert young talent into the mix, an approach stretching back several years.
A couple of years ago, the Vikings found Jalen Redmond from a rival pro league. He overcame long odds to get onto the roster before becoming the team’s most formidable defensive lineman. He will soon demand meaty money, but Minnesota has him on an insanely-cheap deal at present.
So, too, did Elijah Williams get found late, signed after impressing in the spring. Rugged NT Taki Taimani was a UDFA pickup who has been around the Twin Cities for a couple years already.
Even recent draftees such as Levi Drake Rodriguez (7th) and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins (5th) earned modest interest from the NFL. Minnesota, quite evidently, is a spot where these low-profile young lads have a chance to shine.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic offered his two cents on the recent signing: “Vikings sign DL Smith Vilbert after rookie minicamp today. They’ve had very good history with some of these UDFA DL.”
Draft nerd Thor Nystrom (SKOR North) draws a connection between UNC head coach Bill Belichick and Vikings DC Brian Flores, writing, “And like Vikings UDFA CB Marcus Allen, Vilbert started on defense for UNC HC Bill Belichick last season. That still means something to somebody I know.”
During the 2025 season, Smith Vilbert picked up 22 tackles. He had a single sack to stand alongside 6 tackles for loss. Of note, as well, are his 1 forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 passes defended.
Bringing in the new d-lineman follows shortly after signing veteran Eric Johnson, who boasts an impressive nickname: “The Creature.”
On PFF, Vilbert earned a modest 64.3 grade for his effort in 2025. He is listed as being 6’6″ and 282 pounds. His path to the 53-man roster will be a difficult one, but it begins with proving to be a capable special teams helper alongside someone who can soak up snaps in run defense.
Smith played at Penn State before going to UNC.
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